Aldi has sparked a national tea debate this week after revealing that 78% of Brits agree on one thing: milk should never go in before the boiling water.
The supermarket asked the nation what makes the perfect cuppa, and the results are in. Most Brits are serious about their tea, with 72% drinking around four cups a day and more than half (55%) choosing it over coffee. That’s a jaw-dropping 127 million cups brewed across the country every single day.
But tea tension is bubbling under the surface, as nearly a quarter (22%) are still making their tea “wrong” by pouring milk in first, a move that clearly grinds the gears of the majority.
So what’s the proper method? According to the data, it starts with a classic English Breakfast blend (favoured by 67%), brewed for exactly two minutes with hot water first. Only then should you add a splash of semi-skimmed milk to bring it to the ideal drinking temperature of 57 degrees.
Aldi’s new research comes alongside the launch of its Smart Kettle, priced at £29.99, which aims to take the guesswork out of brew time.
Jo Bryant, etiquette consultant, says proper tea-making is about more than just hot water and a teabag.
“It’s clear that tea remains a very important part of our lives,” she said. “I’m with the majority. A cup of English Breakfast, freshly brewed, milk last. It’s also good manners to check how someone takes their tea. It shows you care.”
And we really do care. Seven in ten Brits are so particular about their tea that they give detailed instructions when someone else offers to make it.
The kettle usually gets its first use around 7am, and 40% of people say they have a “lucky mug” they believe makes their brew taste better. But even the most dedicated tea lovers aren’t perfect. Nearly half admit to re-boiling the kettle after getting distracted.
Unsurprisingly, tea can make or break relationships too. A huge 85% say it’s important their partner or family knows exactly how they take it. Partners (57%) and mums (28%) are the most trusted tea-makers.
So, whether you’re team milk-first or milk-last, one thing’s certain: the great British brew isn’t going anywhere.
